Tom Hurst

Wayne Thomas Hurst passed away peacefully on May 6th, 2024, in Plano, TX at the age of 90, surrounded by his beloved family. Born March 13,1934 in San Angelo, TX, the only child of Buster Hurst and Louise Logan Hurst. Tommy graduated from Abilene High School in 1951 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Hardin-Simmons University in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart, Janice Rutledge, on August 29th, 1953, in Abilene, TX. They were married just shy of 40 years until her sudden passing in June of 1993. After Janice's death, he married June McKeehan on June 21,1994. They were married until her passing in August of 2023.

As a young boy during WWII Tommy thrived alongside his best friend and uncle, Bud Logan, on his grandparent's ranch in west Texas. Bud, who was close in age to Tommy, was like a brother, and they lived their best lives riding horses, tending cattle, and learning the ways of the cowboy life.

Early in his marriage to Janice, Tommy proudly served in the United States Army Texas National Guard from 1952 -1957 as a transportation specialist. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve on July 31st, 1960.

Tommy and Jancie were very active in several Southern Baptist Churches. He served as a deacon both in Abilene and in Dallas at Royal Haven Baptist Church.

Tommy had a very successful career starting out as a machinist at Automation Industries in Abilene, TX, and later as a salesman for Putnam Tool Company. In 1978 he moved his family to Dallas, TX, taking a position as Sales Manager with Production Tool Sales. After Production Tool Sales was acquired by J & L Industrial Supply, Tommy became President of the company until his retirement in 1999.

After his retirement he and June moved to Bella Vista, AR, where they built their dream home. There they made many new friends and enjoyed 20 years of golfing, fishing, and boating. They also lovingly cared for Tommy's mother Louise, who lived nearby in assisted living, until her passing. They returned to Dallas in 2019 to be closer to family.

Throughout his life Tommy was a natural athlete, growing up on the baseball field. He grew to love golf and won many awards throughout his career. He was also an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting trips with his brother-in-law. When at home, he could be found on his beloved back porch in Arkansas birdwatching with a glass of wine and talking about all his feathered friends who came to eat his homemade peanut butter bird feed.

More than anything Tommy was a devoted husband and family man. He loved nothing more than to be with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death not only by his parents and two beloved wives, but also by his son Max Hurst in 2016.

He is survived by his children, Jana Hurst Cox and husband Gary of Dallas, TX, Julie Hurst Malcolm and husband Steve of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren Ian Lash, Joshua Clapp, Ryan Cox, and Julian Bailey Hurst. Also, June's children Mark McKeehan and wife Heather of Flower Mound, TX, Robin McKeehan Mullenix and husband Tommy, also of Flower Mound, TX; grandchildren Corey McKeehan and Christopher McKeehan, Dylan Mullenix, and Dayani Mullennix. He also had five great-grandchildren.

Tommy will be laid to rest at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 U.S. Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606 on May 21st, 2024, at 12:00 pm with a graveside service.

A Memorial Service will take place at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Tx, 75225 on May 23, 2024, at 10:00 am.